Mussoorie, Rishikesh traffic plan set for Gandhi Jayanti weekend as tourist movement rises

Traffic police in Uttarakhand have prepared a special movement plan for Dehradun, Mussoorie and Rishikesh during the Gandhi Jayanti weekend from 2 October to 4 October. The arrangements are intended to manage the expected rise in vehicles and prevent congestion at busy tourist points.

The advisory covers entry routes, parking-related diversions and alternative roads that may be activated if traffic pressure becomes severe. Visitors travelling towards the hill station or Rishikesh have been asked to follow the designated routes and local traffic directions.

Routes planned for Mussoorie-bound traffic

Vehicles coming from Delhi, Haryana, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Saharanpur and Roorkee will be directed through Dat Kali, ISBT, Shimla Bypass, Ballupur and the Cantonment area before proceeding towards Mussoorie.

Traffic arriving from Rishikesh and Doiwala will use Thano Road, Maharana Pratap Chowk, Puliya Number 6, Sahastradhara Crossing and IT Park. These routes form part of the planned approach for managing traffic from the eastern side of Dehradun.

Parking capacity in Mussoorie will determine whether additional measures are introduced. Once parking occupancy reaches 90%, Plan B will come into effect. Under this arrangement, vehicles will be parked at King Craig parking, with visitors continuing towards the town by taxi.

If parking remains full and pressure continues, Plan C will be activated. Vehicles will then be diverted from Gajji Band towards Hathipaon Road.

Arrangements for Rishikesh and Dehradun

When congestion rises in Rishikesh, vehicles travelling between Haridwar and Dehradun will be routed through Nepali Farm, Raiwala, Natraj Chowk, Dhalwala and the bypass.

In the event of extreme congestion, heavy vehicles will be sent towards Dehradun from Nepali Farm. Their entry will be permitted only after the night-time no-entry restriction is lifted.

The Haridwar Road stretch between Chandrabhaga Bridge and Jairam Ashram Tiraha will remain a 0 zone for auto-rickshaws and Vikrams. The restriction is part of the traffic management measures for the busy holiday period.

Dehradun may also use alternative routes if vehicle pressure increases around Pacific Mall, Centrio Mall, Sahastradhara and Guchhupani. The advisory therefore affects not only hill-bound traffic but also major visitor locations within the city.

Visitor numbers increase in Mussoorie

Mussoorie has begun receiving more visitors ahead of the holiday period. Activity increased from Thursday, with higher movement reported around Mall Road, Library Chowk, Picture Palace and Company Garden.

The holiday schedule combines Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October with Saturday and Sunday, creating a 3-day break. The increased footfall is expected to support tourism businesses, while also adding pressure to the town’s roads and parking facilities.

Sanjay Aggarwal, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, said bookings had reached up to 70% at most hotels. Visitors from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh were reported to make up the largest groups.

Rajat Aggarwal, president of the trade association, said the visitor increase would directly benefit local shopkeepers. He described the 3-day period as relief for businesses after a recent slowdown and urged the administration to maintain traffic arrangements as crowds grow.

Conclusion

The traffic plan combines route diversions, parking-based measures and restrictions for Rishikesh and Dehradun. Visitors should expect changes if Mussoorie parking reaches 90% capacity or congestion intensifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When does the special traffic plan apply?

The arrangements apply from 2 October to 4 October during the Gandhi Jayanti holiday period.

Q. What happens when Mussoorie parking reaches 90% occupancy?

Plan B will be introduced. Vehicles will be parked at King Craig parking, and visitors will travel onwards by taxi.

Q. What is the next measure if parking remains full?

Plan C will divert vehicles from Gajji Band towards Hathipaon Road.

Q. Which route will vehicles from Rishikesh and Doiwala use for Mussoorie?

They will travel through Thano Road, Maharana Pratap Chowk, Puliya Number 6, Sahastradhara Crossing and IT Park.

Q. How will traffic be handled in Rishikesh during heavy congestion?

Haridwar and Dehradun traffic will be routed through Nepali Farm, Raiwala, Natraj Chowk, Dhalwala and the bypass. During extreme pressure, heavy vehicles will go towards Dehradun from Nepali Farm.

Q. Which road section will be a 0 zone for auto-rickshaws and Vikrams?

The section from Chandrabhaga Bridge to Jairam Ashram Tiraha on Haridwar Road will be an auto-rickshaw and Vikram 0 zone.

Q. How strong are hotel bookings in Mussoorie?

The Mussoorie Hotel Association president said bookings had reached up to 70% in most hotels.

Q. Which places in Dehradun may get alternative routes?

Alternative arrangements may be used around Pacific Mall, Centrio Mall, Sahastradhara and Guchhupani if traffic pressure rises.